4 Potential Travel Nursing 'Hiccups' - and How to Fix Them

#1 - “This assignment isn’t what I expected”

How to Fix It

1. This may sound basic, but be sure to read your Agreement all the way through. A conversation with the hospital or your agency can cover so many details that it's hard for travelers (especially new ones) to remember them all. Make sure that your expectations align with the written document.
2. Ask questions during the initial interview. The purpose of the interview is not only for the manager to get to know you and your experience, but also for you to get some information about the facility: the unit, patient ratios, the culture and the facility's challenges. It’s not only about you meeting the hospital's needs, but also about the hospital meeting yours.
3. Talk to your recruiter. Many situations are fixable, and your travel nurse recruiter has likely faced similar challenges before. They’ll likely be able to offer solutions, recommendations, or resources to make the situation better.
4. Remember that as a travel nurse, you’re filling needs that hospitals and other healthcare providers couldn’t fill otherwise. Your continued service is vital to providing patient care.
5. Understand that we all learn from our experiences. As a traveler, you grow from difficult situations. You'll become a stronger healthcare practitioner when you face tough situations.
6. Assignments are temporary. Whatever situation is getting you down will not last forever - and then you’ll be off having adventures somewhere new!

#2 - Whew! This assignment is a LOT!

How to Fix It

1. Again, the first step toward fixing the situation is to talk to your recruiter. It’s important for your recruiter to know about any challenges early on so that if the situation escalates, they’re in the loop and able to support you. They can also make sure that another travel nurse doesn’t accidentally end up in the same situation.
2. If your challenges on your travel assignment are clinical in nature, talk to one of . As registered nurses and nurse managers, they’re able to understand the challenges you face and give you actionable advice for moving forward. Depending on the situation, they may also be able to liaise with the hospital on your behalf to remove you from any unsafe or potentially compromising situations. “When facing difficult situations, focus on the positive experience that you gain and avoid focusing on the negative side. We all learn from our experiences. You cannot control what goes around you; you can only control how you respond. Your best weapon to handle such challenging situations is your 'Emotional Intelligence, REFLECT BEFORE YOU REACT.'” - Bonnette V, BSN,RN,PCCN; Clinical Account Manager at American Traveler
3. Professionalism is key when dealing with interpersonal matters. Stay respectful, mindful, and receptive to others' point of view. Getting to know your coworkers, your managers, and the hospital culture will help you establish a harmonious relationship with your colleagues. Your attendance also matters. Be punctual and avoid unnecessary absences. After all, your character travels with you. If the challenges you’re facing are personality-driven, keep in mind that you’re an outsider coming in to a situation that you might not fully understand. Do your best to be a team player and to shut down negativity through hard work and a positive attitude. Silver Lining: You'll have a great answer to the interview question, "Tell me about a time you succeeded in a challenging situation."

#3 - “Bad News on the Home Front”

How to Fix It

1. Hopefully you’re seeing a pattern by now, but the first action you should take when things go sideways at home is to call your recruiter. They’ll help you come up with a plan that gets you where you need to be without leaving your healthcare employer in a bind.
2. After you talk to you recruiter, attempt to speak with your nurse manager or supervisor, if possible. Establish and maintain a good professional relationship with your manager. Let your manager get to know you and what kind of professional you are. While American Traveler will likely already have spoken with the hospital’s management on your behalf, it’s always appreciated when an RN takes a moment to thank the nurse manager for understanding whatever steps were taken to allow the nurse to take care of a situation back at home.
3. If possible, be willing to trade flexibility for flexibility. It's the “Give and Take Phenomena." If you help, you will be helped. Did the hospital immediately tell you to go home and deal with the situation? Consider offering to come back in three weeks to finish your assignment. Did they suggest an alternative work schedule that gives you greater flexibility? Consider offering to work the days that you know are harder for the facility to staff. Your willingness to be thoughtful and adapt during a difficult situation will go far.

#4 - “I like this assignment so much, I don’t want to leave”

How to Fix It

1. Talk to your recruiter! (Bet you didn’t see that coming.) You might be able to renew or extend your assignment with the hospital.
2. Talk to your nurse manager. Sometimes they’re able to get you a special assignment renewal or extension. They also might have information about whether staff positions are available, if you’re interested in formally relocating.
3. Don’t forget that even if you have to leave this job for the time being, one of the perks of the travel nurse lifestyle is that you can come back later! Many hospitals reach out and request specific travel nurses that went above and beyond for them while on assignment when they have new needs arise.